Gulzar
Gulzar, also known as Sampooran Singh Kalra, is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and filmmaker who has made significant contributions to the Indian film industry. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation, with his work spanning across multiple genres and mediums.
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Early Life: Sampooran Singh Kalra, A Journey Begins
Born on 18th August 1934, Sampooran Singh Kalra, who later became world-famous as Gulzar, started his journey in a small town named Dina in the Jhelum District of British India, now a part of Pakistan. Gulzar was born into a Sikh family and nurtured his early interest in literature by reading translations of Tagore’s works.
The partition of India brought a sudden turn in his life, leading to the separation of his family and an abrupt halt to his studies. Young Gulzar moved to Mumbai, then known as Bombay, to support his family. He started his journey in the city of dreams with various small jobs, including one at a garage where he mixed shades of paint to repair damaged cars. This initial struggle shaped his worldview, which later got reflected in his work. Despite facing initial resistance from his family for his writing pursuits, he adopted the pen name Gulzar Deenvi, later shortened to simply Gulzar.
Personal Life of Gulzar: The Man Behind the Words
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gulzar leads a fulfilling personal life. He married actress Raakhee, and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Meghna Gulzar. Meghna, who grew up under the influence of her father’s literary genius, became a successful filmmaker after graduating from New York University. She has directed several acclaimed films and has also penned a biography of her father, Gulzar.
Professional Life: The Journey of a Lyricist and Director
Gulzar embarked on his film career as a lyricist with the music director S.D. Burman for the 1963 film Bandini. His unique style and depth of expression soon made him a beloved figure in the Indian cinema. He collaborated with numerous music directors and also ventured into scriptwriting and directing.
His directorial ventures such as Aandhi and Mausam in the 1970s, and the TV series Mirza Ghalib in the 1980s, added new feathers to his cap. Known for his innovative storytelling, Gulzar’s films often highlighted human relationships entangled in social issues.
Gulzar is also a renowned poet, with his work primarily in Urdu and Punjabi, along with several other languages. His poems and short stories have been published in various compilations, and his ghazals have adorned albums of prominent singers like Jagjit Singh.
Awards and Recognitions: A Testament to His Genius
Gulzar’s exceptional contribution to Indian cinema and literature has won him numerous prestigious awards. These include five Indian National Film Awards, 22 Filmfare Awards, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the third-highest civilian award in India, the Padma Bhushan, and the highest award in Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
His work also gained international acclaim, winning him an Academy Award and a Grammy Award. In 2013, he was appointed as the Chancellor of Assam University, adding another significant milestone to his illustrious career.
Gulzar’s life is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication to his craft. His journey from a small town in pre-independence India to becoming one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema and literature is truly inspiring.
